SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ALBERT F. GRIFFIN, United States Army. For distinguishing himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Satae-Ri, Korea. On 29 December 1952, Sergeant Griffin was a member of a patrol which was dispatched to recover the body of an enemy soldier who had been killed in an earlier battle. The United Nations patrol was ambushed by an enemy patrol which subjected it to heavy small-arms fire, wounding Sergeant Griffin and three of the other men. Though in great pain, Sergeant Griffin assisted in the establishment of a perimeter defense and directed the fire of his patrol. During the fight, Sergeant Griffin fought valiantly. When an enemy hand grenade landed near him, Sergeant Griffin, realizing the danger to his comrades, unhesitatingly picked up the missile to hurl it back into the enemy ranks. It exploded, severing his right hand. In spite of the seriousness of his wounds, Sergeant Griffin held his position and continued to direct fire and shout words of encouragement until the patrol withdrew to friendly lines. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Griffin on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Mr. Griffin joined the Legion of Valor in 1989. He resided in Massachusetts and was a LIFE MEMBER.